[WEAPONS]. ORBESSAN (M. d'). Mélanges historiques, critiques, de physique, de littérature et de poésie. Paris, Merlin, 1768. 4 vol. in-8° bound in full garnet morocco, smooth spines ornamented with gilt, triple gilt fillet framing the covers stamped with the crowned arms of Antoine René Voyer de Paulmy and his wife Suzanne Fyot de la Marche in the centre, gilt fillet at the edges and gilt roulette inside, gilt edges (period binding). Vol.1: [2] ff, XVI, 323 pp, Vol.2: [2] ff, (323-692) pp, Vol.3: [2] ff, 442 pp, Vol.4: [2] ff, 298 pp, [1] f. Decorated with an armorial dedication vignette, and 8 engraved plates out of text, some folding, representing archaeological finds and scientific illustrations. First edition of this work by the Marquis d'Orbessan (Anne-Marie Daignan), President of the Parliament of Toulouse. This collection brings together memoirs and essays on history, literary criticism, natural sciences, physics and poetry. The first part opens with a biography of Lucullus, the famous Roman general, followed by an account of the author's trip to Italy (1749); the second offers a series of reflections on antiquity, science and natural history; the third brings together poems, speeches, translations and critical pieces. A charming copy in a binding with the arms of Antoine René Voyer de Paulmy (1722-1787) and his wife Suzanne Fyot de la Marche. Engraved bookplate Very good condition despite a few foxed pages and minor brown spots Binding : Minor scuffing to some boards and minor soiling Several boards slightly sunned, especially the upper ones of vol. 3 and 4 Corners of vol.4 a little dented Inside pages : several pages a little oxidised Qlqs light freckles sometimes more visible according to the quires Old traces of folds on the upper corner of the first quires of vol.2